Lise Moller & Daniela Saelzer

Ceramicist

Upstanding figures of Chilean ceramics

Lise and Daniela are a mother and daughter duo of ceramicists
Creating each piece takes 10 days due to several firing rounds
The duo chases design purity and reproducible colours

Lise Moller and Daniela Saelzer are the dynamic duo behind a family-owned ceramic studio. Lise brings four decades of skill, while Daniela has been integral to this creative journey since the late 1990s. Together, they specialise in stoneware, offering a spectrum ranging from everyday essentials like dinnerware to decorative pieces. Lise's journey began with foundational education at Loughton College of Further Education, expanding into ceramics, drawing, sculpture, engraving, and studies in art history and philosophy at Contemporary Arts in London and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Santiago. Daniela's background in Graphic Design complements her mother's skills and experience. A defining characteristic of Lise and Daniela’s stoneware dinnerware and utility work lies in its earthy and natural appearance. "Achieving a range of unique colours that can be accurately reproduced is a challenging and arduous task," remarks Daniela.

Interview

How long does creating a piece take from start to finish?: Daniela: The piece production spans ten days, encompassing moulding, drying, bisque firing, glazing, and high-temperature firing. Our pieces are fired twice, initially for glaze preparation, and then to meld the glaze onto the pieces.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your work?: Daniela: Chasing the 'simplicity of purity' in design is our challenge—free from excess complexity. True joy comes when form aligns with enamel, achieving a minimalist aesthetic and successful firing process.
What is the impact of your mother's legacy on Chilean ceramics?: Daniela: Lise Moller's legacy has profoundly shaped renowned Chilean ceramicists like Isabel Izquierdo, Vivian Rosa and Sofia Donovan. Her influence spans generations, affirming her status as a prominent figure in Chilean ceramics.
How many people work in your workshop?: Daniela: It is a compact operation with just us two full-time individuals—Lise and myself. Additionally, once a week, the lathe operator joins us.

Lise Moller & Daniela Saelzer are master artisans: they began their career in 1980 and they started teaching in 1990